w/ Tiburones, Edna Vazquez with Mariachi Los Palmeros, and Orquestra Pacifico Tropical
Tickets: $10 ADV / $12 Doors / 12 and under free | All Ages

My name is Luz Elena Mendoza, and I am a Mexican American who has been living here in Portland for almost 8 years.

The music from my band, “Y La Bamba,” has been inspired by my latino upbringing, family traditions, and the history of my ancestors. This is why I would like to share my vision of an important Mexican holiday with you.

Dia de los Muertos or Day of the Dead is a celebration of all the saints in our lives who have passed away. It is an event that is rich in Mexican American traditions. This is a holiday of indigenous observances dating back hundreds of years to an Aztec festival dedicated to a Goddess called Mictecacihuatl, a celebration that gathers family and friends to pray for and to remember those family and friends who have died.

Our 3rd annual “Day of the Dead” (Dia de los Muertos) celebration in Portland is scheduled for Friday, November 1st. It will start with a traditional procession led by music through the streets of Portland. Participants will be dressed in black and have painted faces, “como esceletos catrinas y catrinos.”

The procession will meet at sundown (5pm) and began at (6pm ) on the South Park Blocks at SW Clay and SW Park Avenue on the park side. It will end at the Crystal Ballroom, where inside, the festivities will continue. These include performances of Mexican Prehispanic Music and Aztec dancing, as well as live music from a Cumbia band and other Latino musicians from the surrounding community.

The procession and festivities are open to the community: family, children, and friends.

We will be working with volunteers and schools to create art programs, where children may work on Day of the Dead decorations, such as prayer flags and sugar skulls. For help with materials and music we asking for contributions at the event: Adults $10 in advance; $12 at the door. Children under 12 are free.

We hope this year, as in past years, to make this night a special Dia de los Muertos for the Portland Community.